Retirees often overpay for expensive prescription drugs with cheaper, easily obtained alternatives. In 2010, seniors spent more than $92 billion on prescription drugs, and many of the leading name-brand drugs have generic or alternative options that can help them save lots of money over time. After reviewing many of the most frequently prescribed medications, we've ranked the top three expensive drugs for seniors with cheaper alternatives as Coumadin, Benicar and Avodart. If you take one of these medications, you might want to talk to your doctor about whether you could switch while satisfying your medical needs. Learn more about the top three most expensive pharmaceutical drugs with cheaper alternatives that can help seniors save money.

Avodart and the generic drug finasteride (Proscar by name brand) are very similar medications. A year-long study found both to be effective in reducing prostate sizes while easing symptoms. Finasteride is significantly cheaper than Avodart.

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What are the cheaper alternatives for Coumadin?

Warfarin is the generic form of Coumadin. Whereas a 30-tablet supply of Coumadin sells for an average of $75 without insurance, an equal supply of warfarin can usually be found for $25 cheaper.

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Is Benicar offered in a cheaper generic alternative?

The generic form of Benicar is olmesartan, which is sometimes sold for as little as $10. That's roughly $180 cheaper than Benicar's average retail price.

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What is Coumadin used for?

Coumadin is a prescription anticoagulant that helps to prevent blood clots in people who've suffered heart attacks, strokes and other serious conditions. Doctors have been prescribing Coumadin for more than 60 years.

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What are some cheaper alternative drugs to use instead of Benicar?

Several drugs can be helpful for people with high blood pressure. Two that are cheaper than Benicar are the generic drugs valsartan and losartan.